Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSIs) for Scholars

Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSIs) for Scholars are intensive short-term post-graduate level academic programs that provide foreign university faculty and other scholars the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the United States. The program goal is to strengthen curricula and to enhance the quality of teaching about the United States in academic institutions abroad.

SUSIs for Scholars will take place at various colleges, universities, and academic institutions throughout the United States over the course of five to six weeks in summer 2025. Each Institute has around 18 participants and includes a four-week academic residency component and a one-week integrated study tour in the United States. 

SUSIs for Scholars comprises the following themes in U.S. Studies: 

  • American Politics and Political Thought; 

  • Contemporary American Literature; 

  • Journalism and Media; 

  • U.S. Culture, Identity, and Society; 

  • U.S. Economics and Sustainable Development; and 

  • U.S. Foreign Policy.

The participants are expected to be mid-career scholars and professionals with significant experience in higher education or research-focused institutions, who demonstrate strong motivation and commitment to incorporating U.S. studies into their academic or professional work.

Candidates nominated for this program must:

  • be citizens of Belarus; 

  • be proficient in English; 

  • be interested in the Institute theme; 

  • be mid-career professionals between 30 and 50 years of age; 

  • have significant academic or professional experience in higher education or research-focused institutions, such as universities, think tanks, or non-profits; 

  • hold a graduate degree and possess substantial knowledge in the program’s thematic area or a related field; 

  • demonstrate strong leadership qualities and a commitment to their professional or academic community; 

  • demonstrate a strong interest in incorporating U.S. studies into their professional or academic work; 

  • show high academic and professional achievement, reflected in past scholarship, publications, awards, or other accomplishments; 

  • have little or no prior experience living, working, or studying in the United States; 

  • be open-minded, respectful, and able to engage with participants of diverse backgrounds and perspectives; 

  • be willing and able to fully participate in an intensive academic program, group activities, and educational travel; and, 

  • be comfortable with campus life, prepared to share living accommodations, and able to adjust cultural and social practices different from those of their home country.

Additional Information

Housing and Meal Arrangements

When possible, each participant will have a private room with a shared bathroom during the residency portion (four weeks) of the Institute. However, private accommodation is not guaranteed. During the study tour (one week), participants will likely share a hotel room with another participant of the same gender. During the residency, housing will typically be in college or university-owned housing or nearby hotels. Most meals will be provided at campus facilities, though participants may have access to a kitchen to cook some meals on their own.

Health Benefits

All participants receive the Department of State’s coverage of $100,000 with a $25 co-pay per medical visit and $75 co-pay per emergency room visit for the duration of the program. Pre-existing conditions are not covered. Information on the health benefit program may be found here.

Program Requirements and Restrictions

Participants are expected to fully participate in the academic program. They should attend all lectures and organized activities, and complete assigned readings. Candidates should be aware that the Institute is very intensive and that there is little time for personal pursuits unrelated to the program.

English Language Ability

All candidates must be proficient in English so that they can actively participate in the academic program. Host institutions will consider that the level of comprehension and speaking ability of students may vary and will prepare lectures and discussions that meet the highest academic standards while using language appropriate for students where English is their second or third language.

Application process

The application season for this program is currently closed. If you have any questions about SUSIs for Scholars, please contact American Councils for International Education at belarus@americancouncils.org

The selection of candidates for the SUSIs for Scholars program is carried out by the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Belarus with support from American Councils for International Education.

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The program offers equal opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, native language, handicap or disability.

The SUSI program is open to all Belarusian citizens who meet the eligibility criteria irrespective of their current place of residence.